Hardy curling fans take advantage of -12C temperatures

Icy winds and and sub-zero temperatures have caused parts of Britain to freeze over today as cold weather sweeps across the country. 

Scotland has been issued with a snow and ice warning while the Borders and the high grounds of northern England, such as the Pennines, could see ice on the roads. 

Cold winds from the west will move across the UK that could bring a spell of heavy rain and stronger winds with it – and there will be a chance of sleet over high grounds in the UK, with the minimum temperature reaching 1C. 

The rain moving east will be the start of colder weather across Britain and temperatures overnight will drop with some wintry showers expected in western Scotland and in northern wales. 

A yellow warning has been issued for the eastern coasts, while Northern Scotland has been issued with a snow and ice warning

The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings across the country for Sunday. A yellow warning has been issued for the eastern coasts, while northern Scotland has been issued with a snow and ice warning (left and right)

As we approach Sunday, gusts between 50-70mph are predicted to hit the  coast of England. Gusts between 50-60mph are also predicted to hit the eastern coast of England on Saturday

As we approach Sunday, gusts between 50-70mph are predicted to hit the coast of England. Gusts between 50-60mph are also predicted to hit the eastern coast of England on Saturday

As we approach Sunday, the Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for areas of northern Ireland and south west England, with cold gusts between 50-60mph. 

Another yellow wind warning has also been issued for eastern England on Sunday, with winds of 60 -70mph predicted along the east coast.

By Monday the country can expect to see sharp frosts overnight, with wintry showers and the possibility of rain and snow predicted across the country for Tuesday and Wednesday morning. 

Freezing weather proved a good thing for one group of hardy curling fans, who were able to follow their passion outdoors. 

Members of the Glenesk Curling Club took advantage of the sub-zero temperatures, which dipped to as low as -12C and froze standing water solid, to hold the event on their frozen pond on Thursday evening – their first outdoor game in five years.

The peace and tranquillity at Tarfside, Angus, Scotland, was broken when those who enjoy the ‘roaring game’ took to the ice in the event.

The hardy curling fans taking to the ice comes as the Met Office issues a number of different weather warnings across the country.  

Now fans of the sport from around the world are in raptures after seeing their favourite pastime in a natural environment.

A video posted on social media has been viewed by thousands including followers in Canada, Korea and China. 

Mike Ferguson of Forfar Indoor Sports explained: ‘A large group of local curlers, guests and friends turned up to enjoy traditional outdoor curling on some excellent curling ice.

‘It is not very often we have these conditions, the last time we did this was about five or six years ago.

‘If we hadn’t caught it last night I very much doubt if it would be played today. It just needs a bit of rain or snow to ruin the ice.

‘You have to grab these opportunities when you can.

‘We posted some video and it has gone viral.’

Hardy curling fans from the Glenesk Curling Club in Angus, Scotland, held their first outdoor game in five years as temperatures dipped to as low as -12C 

Hardy curling fans from the Glenesk Curling Club in Angus, Scotland, held their first outdoor game in five years as temperatures dipped to as low as -12C 

Enthusiastic members of the curling group took to the ice in Tarfside, to enjoy their favourite pastime in a natural setting

Enthusiastic members of the curling group took to the ice in Tarfside, to enjoy their favourite pastime in a natural setting

Members of the club flooded the two rinks on the pond with water to allow the games to be played under the floodlights

Members of the club flooded the two rinks on the pond with water to allow the games to be played under the floodlights

A snow and ice warning has been issued for northern Scotland while southern Scotland and parts of northern England have been issued with a separate ice warning 

A snow and ice warning has been issued for northern Scotland while southern Scotland and parts of northern England have been issued with a separate ice warning 

The Met Office warned that snow would be seen across parts of Scotland while rain and strengthening winds are expected to move east across the country

The Met Office warned that snow would be seen across parts of Scotland while rain and strengthening winds are expected to move east across the country

Members of the club made the most of a small window of opportunity, flooding the two rinks on the pond with water to allow the games to be played under the floodlights.

Snow later came down, meaning the game was halted to protect players’ safety and temperatures later rose, melting the ice.

Mr Ferguson continued: ‘In true tradition the call went out within the local curling world.

‘We also had a lot of local gamekeepers, many of whom hadn’t curled before.

‘We also had young curlers who took part in their first outdoor curling event.

‘It was a really sociable affair and it was good to be able to pass it on to the next generation.’ 

Beyond midweek, the Met Office said the unsettled weather looks set to continue, with further bands of rain and hill snow moving east or south-east across the UK, interspersed with brighter showery interludes.

There will still be a chance of snow, mostly in the north, but possibly further south too – with frosts widespread

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